I am a beginner quilter. I have two projects nearly complete (need binding and I am afraid I will ruin them when I bind them). In both cases, the projects were simple and I did quilting by stitching in the ditch.

Last week I ordered a table runner project kit from Connecting Threads. First, I didn't realize that the backing fabric was not included in a Kit especially something so small (pays to read). Next, I really liked the quilting design itself. The kit I purchased is the Morning Glory Runner. While you cannot see the quilting pattern online, in the catalog you can see that there is a floral quilting pattern over the yellow that matches with the 'Morning Glory' title.

The pattern/kit does not include the quilting design. I contacted the author of the pattern and she responded that she only provides the pattern for the piecing. I contacted Connecting Threads and they indicated that their independent quilters who make up projects for the catalog use proprietary designs and they are not available. :(

How do more experienced quilters go about deciding on a quilting pattern for a project?

From the link you gave it says...
"Kit includes pattern and 2-3/4 yards of fabric, enough to make the top and binding."

So you should have gotten the all the fabric for the front and enough for binding (not cut), and the directions on how to cut it to make it look like that table runner - Yes? No?

Please let us know, because a TON of folks buy from Connecting Threads and they would HATE to lose business because they messed a PR person around :-) just saying it SAYS the pattern to cut the fabric is included! -- Edited on 3/6/13 9:21 AM --

------I have a great enthusium for sewing, but lack talent to be great.

They are really quite clear on the fact that the backing isn't included...

Quote: Kit includes pattern and 2-3/4 yards of fabric, enough to make the top and binding. You will need an additional 1-1/2 yards of fabric for backing

I've ordered kits that they have given links to the fabrics for the backings that match.....that said, I am the proud owner of a CT kit that's for kids and in flannel!! neither of which I wanted...cute pattern..click the button..it happens....

You might check out stencil designs, chalk them onto the quilt (or sample fabric) and try the free motion on that. As a new quilter myself, that's what I'm planning on trying.....

------2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012 86.3 yds..
2013 21.0
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

The best advice I can give a beginner on how to get ideas is to look at as many quilts as you can, and in-person is better than pictures. Big shows are great if there are any nearby, but most local guilds also have shows that are open to the public.

I thoroughly understand falling head over heels with a particular quilt and the way it was quilted, Steffie, as I've done so quite a few times- but unfortunately not all designs could ever be recreated.

Sometimes the quilter has simply "free motion quilted" as their personal muse dictated that day!

Hopefully, the above link will provide you with a pattern that closely matches the one on the runner, and if not, you may find another you like equally well.

It sounds like you are ready to get out of the ditch and get creative with your quilting designs. There are many, many books on how to do that and probably some you can check out from your local library.

If you can see the quilting design, try drawing it on paper with a pencil, ideally using one continuous line. If you can do that repeatedly on paper, the muscle memory will stay with you when you free-motion quilt the same design. (Use a test block first)

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